Cost Accountant

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing production and operational costs, inventory valuation, and cost variance reporting to support strategic decision-making and improve profitability. This role requires strong analytical skills and cross-functional collaboration with departments such as operations, finance, supply chain, and engineering to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance overall efficiency

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JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and maintain the standard cost system for materials, labor, and overhead; support forecasting and annual budgeting processes. 

• Collaborate with engineering to cost new products and ensure the accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs).Perform month-end closing activities and prepare detailed variance reports, explaining differences between actual and standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead. 

• Coordinate and conduct physical and cycle counts of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory. 

• Generate and communicate daily production, cost, and variance reports to management. Provide profitability analysis, identify cost drivers, and recommend cost-saving measures. 

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and finance teams to resolve cost issues and drive operational efficiencies. 

• Analyze production methods and changes in raw materials to determine their impact on costs and identify opportunities for improvement. 

• Ensure accounting practices comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly in relation to financial statements and inventory valuation 

• Be Limitless, Be Resilient, Be People Centered, Be a Team, and Be Trustworthy 

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. 

• Professional certifications such as CPA or CMA are a plus. 

• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing and/or distribution environment. 

SKILLS/ABILITIES 

• Proficiency with ERP systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Excel. 

• Knowledge of cost accounting principles, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in effectively communicating key data and working with various departments. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines. 

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

• Demonstrated business acumen with a clear understanding of the operational drivers of cost. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to sit/stand for extended periods of time.  

• Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds.  

• Must be able to conduct repetitive motions on a daily basis (e.g., keyboarding). 

This job description does not imply these are the only duties to be performed.  The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operations of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor. 

Please note: Under the AbilityOne Program, Vibrant Works gives hiring preference to individuals who are legally blind. Any decision to disclose a disability by an applicant related to the hiring preference is completely voluntary. Requesting such information is also a part of our affirmative action efforts. Information that is disclosed will remain confidential. Also, your decision not to disclose disability status will not have a negative impact in the hiring process. 

Vibrant Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.